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Bringing the community together
Matariki is an important event in the traditional Maori calendar.
Dozens of local events are on the horizon this month to celebrate Matariki, the rising of the star cluster which heralds the start of the Maori New Year. Matariki is the Maori name for the seven-star cluster known as Pleiades (also the Seven Sisters) and in days gone by it was thought to determine the plantings for the coming season. The disappearance of Matariki in autumn signalled the time to gather and preserve crops so it was also an important marker in the harvest calendar. Traditionally, the appearance of the Matariki cluster was an opportunity for the whanau (family) to come together to reflect on the past, give thanks to the land, sea and sky, show respect for nature and celebrate new beginnings. Today it's seen as an important time to celebrate the earth and show respect for the land on which we live. It's also a time for the community to unite and acknowledge the year gone by and to celebrate and prepare for the year ahead.
Matariki has grown in popularity in recent years and this year the star cluster rising in New Zealand's eastern skies will see the beginning of a vast range of community events and celebrations. These will include concerts and cultural performances, art exhibitions, tree plantings and family events. Included in the raft of 'Westie' events are storytelling sessions, sounds and stories of Matariki, guided ranger walks and workshops on the uses of forest plants at the Arataki Visitor Centre (see page 25). There'll be similar events at Corban Estate Arts Centre, special theatrical presentations at Te Pou Theatre in New Lynn and community breakfasts and afternoon teas at the Kelston Community Hub. Although many events are listed at www. matarikifestival.org.nz, other events will be listed on the websites for Auckland Council, Waitakere and Whau local boards, community centres, galleries and local theatres. The festival will run from June 10 to July 2 although the major celebration is on June 25. – Moira Kennedy
Green Bay, Titirangi & Laingholm bus services are changing
FROM
Sunday 11 June 2017
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Minor timetable changes are being made to ensure buses run on time. Changes are also being made to other West Auckland bus services on 11 June. For more information and new bus timetables go to AT.govt.nz/newnetworkwest Find out more 09 366 6400 AT.govt.nz/newnetworkwest
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The Fringe JUNE 2017
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